System for secure package drop-off and pick-up

ABSTRACT

Server for facilitating secure delivery and pickup of packages comprises a memory, a database, and a processor. The processor is configured to receive identification information associated with a package to be delivered or picked up, wherein the identification information is generated by a parcel shipper for tracking location and shipping progress of the package. The processor generates an access code based on the identification information, and provides the access code to a first party for opening an access on a repository configured for holding the package. When a code is input at a keypad coupled to the repository, the input code and the generated access code are compared, and access to an internal compartment of the repository through an access door on the repository is provided based on the comparison.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 62/781,931 filed on Dec. 19, 2018, the entire contents of which areincorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a server for securely storing an article in arepository after drop-off of the article and before pick-up of thearticle until removed by a responsible party.

BACKGROUND

Package delivery, parcel delivery, mail delivery or even grocerydelivery to a residential home or to business location is provided bypostal systems (e.g., USPS) and private delivery services (e.g., UPS,FedEx, DHL, Amazon, etc.). When delivering a package or article to aresidential neighborhood or to a generic building, the package may oftenbe left on the front porch or near the front entrance to the building.There have been increased occurrences of package tampering and packagetheft with regard to such packages. Further, in a residential homesetting, providing access to delivery personnel into the house forpackage delivery/pick-up when occupant is not present is eschewed bymost home occupants. Alternately, if a package cannot be delivered to adestination that requires a signature by the recipient of the package asin, for example, a home where none of the occupants are home at the timeof delivery, the package must be couriered to a retention facility forlater pick-up by the intended party or another delivery attempt must bescheduled.

Thus, a need exists for a practical and efficient way of deliveringpackages or parcels that satisfactorily addresses these issues.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce in a simplified form concepts thatare further described in the following detailed descriptions. Thissummary is not intended to identify key features or essential featuresof the claimed subject matter, nor is it to be construed as limiting thescope of the claimed subject matter.

According to one aspect of the invention, a server for facilitatingsecure delivery and pickup of packages comprises a memory, a database,and a processor. The processor is configured to receive identificationinformation associated with a package to be delivered or picked up,wherein the identification information is generated by a parcel shipperfor tracking location and shipping progress of the package. Theprocessor is also configured to generate an access code based on theidentification information, and provide the access code to a first partyfor opening an access on a repository configured for holding thepackage. A code is input at a keypad coupled to the repository. Theinput code and the generated access code are compared. Access to aninternal compartment of the repository through an access door on therepository is based on the comparison.

According to one or more embodiments, the processor is furtherconfigured to generate a further access code and provide the furtheraccess code to a second party associated with a package delivery,wherein the first party is associated with a package pick-up.

According to one or more embodiments, the processor is furtherconfigured to communicate with a web-portal configured to managelogistics associated with one or more of a package delivery and apackage pick-up.

According to one or more embodiments, the processor is furtherconfigured to use an automated harvesting program to scour an emailaccount associated with one or more of the package delivery and thepackage pick-up to extract the identification information associatedwith the package.

According to one or more embodiments, the repository is positioned at afirst location, the repository including a first Media Access Control(MAC) address associated with a first network adaptor coupled to therepository.

According to one or more embodiments, the first MAC address istransferrable to a second network adaptor coupled to a furtherrepository at a second location, wherein the first network adaptorcoupled to the repository at the first location is assigned a second MACaddress different from the first MAC address.

According to one or more embodiments, the unlock code is valid for apredetermined time span associated with a delivery time or a pick uptime scheduled for the package, wherein the access code is inoperable toprovide access through the access door outside of the predetermined timespan.

According to one or more embodiments, the processor is furtherconfigured to generate an alert when the repository is tampered with.

According to one or more embodiments, the processor is furtherconfigured to generate a notification when the package is delivered orpicked up.

According to one or more embodiments, the processor is furtherconfigured to generate an alert when the repository door remainsunlocked beyond a predetermined duration subsequent to deposition of thepackage into the repository.

According to one or more embodiments, the repository includes atemperature sensor for sensing a temperature of the internal compartmentof the repository, wherein the processor is further configured toreceive a temperature notification from the temperature sensor.

According to one or more embodiments, the repository includes a camerapositioned inside the internal compartment of the repository, whereinthe processor is further configured to receive a picture taken by thecamera of the package positioned inside the internal compartment of therepository.

According to one or more embodiments, the repository includes a scanneror imaging device for reading the identification information, whereinthe access door on the repository is opened after the identificationinformation is captured by the scanner or imaging device.

According to one or more embodiments, the access code includes at leasta last four digits of a package tracking number associated with thepackage.

According to one or more embodiments, the access code includes at leasta last eight digits of a package tracking number associated with thepackage.

According to one or more embodiments, the processor is furtherconfigured to process a package return by: facilitating capture of theidentification information via an application operating on a mobilecomputing device; and, scheduling pick up of the package by a routecarrier.

According to one or more embodiments, the repository includes a Wi-Fihub.

According to one or more embodiments, the repository generates anaudible alarm when the repository is tampered with.

According to one or more embodiments, the processor is furtherconfigured to generate an alert to an individual associated with therepository when the repository is tampered with.

According to one or more embodiments, the access code is configured forsingle use.

According to one or more embodiments, the access code is configured formultiple uses.

According to one or more embodiments, the access code further includesalphanumeric characters customized for a characteristic associated withthe first party.

According to one or more embodiments, the processor is furtherconfigured to receive a picture of a person approaching the repositoryfrom a camera coupled to the repository.

According to one or more embodiments, the processor is furtherconfigured to communicate with an application operating on a mobilecommunication device via a graphical user interface (GUI) of the mobilecommunication device.

According to one or more embodiments, the repository includes a keyaccess operable to open the access door on the repository.

According to one or more embodiments, the processor is furtherconfigured to communicate with the repository via one or more of a USBport, a Wi-Fi connection, an Ethernet connection, a Bluetoothconnection, a cellphone network tower connection and a satelliteconnection.

According to one or more embodiments, the processor is furtherconfigured to communicate with a communication transceiver coupled tothe repository.

According to one or more embodiments, the processor is furtherconfigured to communicate with a communication transceiver coupled tothe repository via a wireless connection.

According to one or more embodiments, the processor is furtherconfigured to communicate with a communication transceiver coupled tothe repository via a wired connection.

According to one or more embodiments, the processor is furtherconfigured to determine a location data associated with the package fromthe identification information, wherein the processor uses the locationdata for verifying delivery or pick up of the package.

According to one or more embodiments, the processor is furtherconfigured to generate a further access code that does not include aportion of the identification information.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will be betterappreciated from the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system for secure delivery and pickup ofpackages, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of a mobile device in communication with thesystem for secure delivery and pickup of packages, in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a repository in communication with thesystem for secure delivery and pickup of packages positioned on thefront porch of a building, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the repository of FIG. 3, in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Below, the technical solutions in the examples of the present inventionare depicted clearly and comprehensively with reference to the figuresaccording to the examples of the present invention. Obviously, theexamples depicted here are merely some examples, but not all examples ofthe present invention. In general, the components in the examples of thepresent invention depicted and shown in the figures herein can bearranged and designed according to different configurations. Thus,detailed description of the examples of the present invention providedin the figures below are not intended to limit the scope of the presentinvention as claimed, but merely represent selected examples of thepresent invention. On the basis of the examples of the presentinvention, all of other examples that could be obtained by a personskilled in the art without using inventive efforts will fall within thescope of protection of the present invention.

Embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter relate toproviding digitally controlled access to a package repository and, moreparticularly, to a system and a server configured for managing access toan internal compartment of the repository, the access associated withfor package pick up or package delivery. One or more embodiments asdisclosed herein advantageously allow for secure delivery systemsconfigured for coordinating secure delivery and pick up of packages at asecure repository in communication with the system as disclosed herein,with goods within the repository capable of being retrieved by an user,at his or her convenience. According to advantageous aspects of thedisclosed subject matter, the server generates an access code based onidentification information generated by a parcel shipper for trackinglocation and shipping progress of a package to be delivered or pickedup. According to at least one embodiment, the access code generated bythe server includes at least the last 4 digits of a package trackingnumber associated with the package. According to another embodiment, theaccess code generated by the server can include up to the last eightdigits of a package tracking number associated with the package.According to another aspect of the invention, the access code generatedby the server includes at least the last eight digits of a packagetracking number associated with the package.

One embodiment of a system for facilitating secure delivery or securepick up of a package is shown in FIG. 1. As shown, system 100 includesat least one repository 105 having an interior compartment in which oneor more packages are stored. The repository 105 is connected to a serversuch as server 101. Server 101 controls the operation of and access toone or more repositories 105 whereby server 101 facilitates securedelivery and pickup of packages to and from the one or more repositories105.

Server 101 communicates over network 125 with repository 105, one ormore mobile devices 107 with GUI 107 a, parcel shipping service provider115, package delivery service provider 120, and package pickup serviceprovider 126. The term “package” as used herein refers to any articlethat can be dropped off in repository 105 or picked up from therepository 105, the package including articles such as, for example, aprocessed food item, a farm produce, a parcel, an envelope, or any otheritem that may be delivered to, or picked up from, a customer location.

Server 101 may communicate with one or more mobile devices 107, eachmobile device 107 including a graphical user interface (GUI) 107 a andan application 108. A user of mobile device 107 may be able to interactwith application 108 via GUI 107 a for communicating with server 101,and optionally with repository 105. Server 101 may communicatewirelessly with application 108 operating on a mobile device 107.Similarly, server 101 may communicate wirelessly with repository 105. Inone embodiment, the GUI 107 a associated with application 108 maydisplay a web page associated with system 100 as illustrated in FIG. 2.

Server 101 includes database 102, memory 103 and processor 104.Processor 104 is configured to receive identification informationassociated with a package to be delivered or picked up. Theidentification information is generated by a parcel shipping serviceprovider 115 for tracking location and shipping progress of the package.As is well known in the relevant art, parcel shippers typically generateidentification information that helps facilitate identification of apackage including its weight, size, point of origin, point ofdestination, package tracking number and similar other information. Theidentification information can include alphanumeric characters and othermachine readable codes. Processor 104 of server 101 is configured togenerate an access code based on the received identificationinformation. The identification information may be received wirelesslyby server 101 from a portal operated by the parcel shipping serviceprovider 115.

Processor 104 provides the generated access code to an authorized firstparty for opening an access on repository 105. In one embodiment, theauthorized first party may be a homeowner or home occupant who needs topick up a package recently dropped within the interior compartment ofrepository 105. In one embodiment, the authorized first party may be adelivery person who needs to drop a package within the interiorcompartment of repository 105. In one embodiment, the authorized firstparty may be a pick-up person who needs to pick up a package presentwithin the interior compartment of repository 105.

In various embodiments, repository 105 includes a keypad 401 coupled toa locking mechanism 403 that secures the access on repository 105. Theaccess code may be entered on the keypad 401. If the entered access codeis deemed to be correct or acceptable, the locking mechanism 403 unlocksthereby providing access to an interior compartment of repository 105.In one embodiment, the verification of the access code may be performedby server 101. In one embodiment, the verification of the access codemay be performed by a processor forming part of, or otherwise coupledto, repository 105.

In some embodiments, the access code may be electronically communicatedby server 101 to the repository through a wired connection such asthrough a USB port, or through a wireless connection such us, forexample, a Wi-Fi connection or a Bluetooth connection. In oneembodiment, the access code includes at least the last four digits of apackage tracking number associated with the package. In anotherembodiment, the access code includes at least the last eight digits of apackage tracking number associated with the package. In anotherembodiment, the access code includes the middle four or more digits ofthe package tracking number associated with the package. In a furtherembodiment, the access code includes alphanumeric characters customizedfor a characteristic associated with the first party. This way, theinput access code may include some identifying information regarding theperson inputting the access code into the keypad of repository 105. Asan illustrative example, a FedEx worker may be supplied with an accesscode that includes the characters “FEDEX” as the first five alphanumericcharacters of the access code.

In various embodiments, server 101 is configured to maintain a historyof all codes entered at the keypad with time stamps including thoseassociated with unsuccessful attempts. In some embodiments, differentsets of access codes may be generated by server 101, with one set ofaccess codes configured for a single access to the interior compartmentof repository 105 and another set of access codes configured forpermitting multiple accesses to the interior compartment of repository105.

In various embodiments, repository 105 includes at least one sidewallhaving a top rim and a bottom side, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4below. For example, the repository 105 may include four sidewalls. Thesidewalls and the bottom side form an interior storage compartment ofrepository 105 in between with an upper ceiling covering an access(i.e., an opening) defined by the top rims of the sidewalls. The accessmay be secured by a door provided with a door handle and/or a door lock.The door may close to cover the access to the interior compartment ofrepository 105 and open to reveal the inside of the interior compartmentof repository 105. Repository 105 may further include provisions foraccepting electrical, data and internet connections to the repository.

In certain embodiments, repository 105 includes a mounting mechanism formounting the bottom side of the repository 105 to a flat horizontalsurface. In certain embodiments, the surface may be a porch or landingin front of a residential home or a building. The mounting mechanism mayinclude bolts going through openings in the bottom side of therepository 105, whereby the locking bolt may secure the repository 105to the surface. In the same embodiments or in other embodiments,repository 105 can include a mounting mechanism for mounting to a wallor a vertical structure.

Repository 105 may be produced by injection molding. Other constructiontechnics and materials are also envisioned. In certain embodiments, thedimensions of the repository may be about 18 inches in width, at least24 inches in depth, and 24 inches in length. However, repository 105 isnot limited to the dimensions mentioned above and may be any dimensionsdesired. In other words, repository 105 may have a suitable sizedepending on the application and/or the requirements of an individual orbusiness as it relates to factors such as quantity, delivery or pick-upfrequency, size, volume, and quality of the packages for delivery and/orpick-up.

According to advantageous features of the presently disclosed subjectmatter, during operations, a user inputs a code at the keypad coupled tothe repository. The input code is compared by server 101 (or alternatelyby a repository processor coupled to repository 105) with the accesscode generated by the server 101. Subsequent to the comparison, theserver 101 (or the repository processor) makes a determination that theinput code is adequate and proceeds to initiate the opening of an accessdoor on the repository in order to provide access to the internalcompartment of repository 105. In one embodiment, an exact match betweenthe input code and the generated access may be required. In anotherembodiment, a partial match may be adequate, the partial matchrepresenting a substantial match. In one embodiment, a memory coupled torepository 105 may receive and store the access code, whereby when thecode is being input, there is no need for a real-time verification withserver 101; instead, a processor coupled to repository 105 (i.e., therepository processor) may be able to perform the comparison of the inputcode with the access code generated by the server 101. Subsequent to thecomparison, the repository processor may make a determination that theinput code is adequate and proceed to initiate the opening of an accessdoor on repository 105 in order to provide access to the internalcompartment of repository 105.

In some embodiments, processor 104 of server 101 is further configuredto generate a further access code and provide the further access code toa second party associated with a package delivery, wherein the firstparty is associated with a package pick-up. In this embodiment, thefirst party may represent an individual authorized to pick up a packagepresent within repository 105; in one example, the first partyrepresents the owner of repository 105. In the same embodiment or in adifferent embodiment, the second party may represent an individualauthorized to deliver a package; in one example, the second party may bean employee of a parcel shipping service provider 115 such as UPS,FedEx, USPS, and similar other parcel shipping service providers.

In some embodiments, server 101 is further configured to communicatewith a web-portal configured to manage logistics associated with one ormore of a package delivery and a package pick-up. The web-portal mayrepresent a logistics management system that coordinates transportation,tracking and delivery of packages, as well as the pick-up, tracking andtransportation of packages being returned, for example. In some furtherembodiments, server 101 is further configured to use an automatedharvesting program to scour an email account associated with one or moreof the package delivery and the package pick-up to extract theidentification information associated with the package. In one example,application 108 executing on mobile device 107 associated with the firstuser or the second user is configured to crawl or scour the emailaccounts present on mobile device 107, after appropriate permissions areprovided by the first and second users for such activity. The effect ofsuch crawling or scouring may be the harvesting of information relatedto the identification information generated by a parcel shipper, such asparcel shipping service provider 115, associated with the trackinglocation and shipping progress of a package. In various embodiments,application 108 executing on mobile device 107 is communication with aparent application operating on server 101.

In some embodiments, the first Media Access Control (MAC) addressassociated with a first network adaptor coupled to a first repository105 may be transferable to a different repository 105. This mayadvantageously allow an individual to maintain the same MAC address evenafter the individual relocates to a new second location. After therelocation, the first MAC address may be then linked to a new secondrepository 105 located at the second location. This may be accomplishedby transferring a first MAC address associated with a first networkadaptor coupled to the first repository located a first location of theindividual to a second network adaptor coupled to a second repositorylocated at a second location associated with the individual'srelocation. In this example, the first network adaptor coupled to thefirst repository at the first location may then be assigned a second MACaddress different from the first MAC address.

In some embodiments, the access code generated by server 101 may bevalid only for a predetermined time span associated with a delivery timeor a pick up time scheduled for the package; in these embodiment, theaccess code is rendered inoperable in providing access through theaccess door outside of the predetermined time span.

The system 100 may further include several alert systems. In oneembodiment, the server 101 of system 100 may generate an alert whenrepository 105 is tampered with. For example, the tampering may beassociated with an attempt to steal a package present in the internalcompartment of repository 105. In another embodiment, or in the sameembodiment, server 101 is further configured to generate an alert whenthe repository door remains unlocked beyond a predetermined durationsubsequent to deposition of a package into the repository. In a furtherembodiment, server 101 is further configured to generate a notificationwhen the package is delivered or picked up. In one embodiment, therepository 105 is configured to generate an audible alarm when therepository is tampered with. In the same embodiment or in a differentembodiment, server 101 and/or repository 105 is further configured togenerate an alert on mobile device 107 of an individual associated withthe repository when repository 105 is tampered with application 108operating to generate the alert on mobile device 107.

In various embodiments, repository 105 can include a temperature sensorfor sensing a temperature of the internal compartment of repository 105.In such an embodiment, server 101 may receive a temperature notificationfrom the temperature sensor, for example, when the temperature isoutside of a safe temperature range prescribed for the package presentin the internal compartment of repository 105. The repository 105 and/orserver 101 may generate a notification on mobile device 107 regardingthis temperature anomaly.

In one embodiment, repository 105 includes a camera positioned insidethe internal compartment of the repository; in other embodiments, thecamera may be positioned on an outer surface of the repository. In thisembodiment, server 101 may receive a picture taken by the camera of thepackage positioned inside the internal compartment of repository 105.Server 101 may utilize the picture taken by the camera to compareagainst a pre-existing picture of a package scheduled for deliveryaround the time when the picture was taken by the camera. Server 101 mayfurther forward the taken picture to mobile device 107 for viewing bythe first and/or second user.

In one embodiment, repository 105 includes a scanner or imaging devicefor reading the identification information. Server 101 may review theidentification information read by the scanner or image device. Afterdetermining the identification information to be associated with apackage scheduled for delivery around the time when the identificationinformation was read, the server may cause the access door on therepository 105 to open so that the package could be placed within theinternal compartment of repository 105. In an alternate embodiment, therepository processor coupled to repository 105 may make thisdetermination based on a comparison of the scanned information andidentification information received earlier from server 101, wherein theearlier received identification information may be stored in a memorycoupled to repository 105 and accessible by the repository processor.Based on a comparison of the two, repository processor may proceed toopen access to the internal compartment of repository 105.

In some embodiments, server 101 may be further configured to process apackage return. To process a package pattern, server 101 may facilitatecapture of the identification information on the package via anapplication 108 operating on mobile device 107. Server 101 may utilizethe captured identification information to schedule pick up of thepackage by a route carrier.

In another embodiment, repository 105 includes a camera positioned on anexternal surface of repository 105. In this embodiment, server 101 mayreceive a picture taken by the camera of a person approaching therepository 105 from the camera. Server 101 may save these pictures inmemory 103. In some embodiments, repository 105 may include a key accessoperable to open the access door on the repository.

In one embodiment, repository 105 includes a Wi-Fi hub. In variousembodiments, server 101 may communicate with a transceiver coupled torepository 105 over any variety of wired and wireless networks, andutilize security and authentication procedures to permitting access tothe interior storage compartment of the repository 105. In variousembodiments, server 101 may communicate with repository 105 via one ormore of a USB port, Wi-Fi (e.g., 802.11 wireless), Bluetooth, RFID, NFC,cellphone network tower connection, satellite connection, and similarother communication systems. In one embodiment, server 101 communicateswith a communication transceiver coupled to repository 105 via a wiredconnection. In another embodiment, server 101 is configured tocommunicate with a communication transceiver coupled to repository 105via a wireless connection. In the same or different embodiment, server101 is configured to communicate with a communication transceivercoupled to repository 105 via a wired connection.

In various embodiments, server 101 is configured to determine a locationdata associated with the package from the identification information;server 101 uses this location data for verifying delivery or pick up ofa package. In some embodiments, server 101 is further configured togenerate a further (i.e., an additional) access code that does notinclude a portion of the identification information.

According to various embodiments, a method of facilitating securedelivery and pickup of packages includes receiving, at a server,identification information associated with a package to be delivered orpicked up, wherein the identification information is generated by aparcel shipper for tracking location and shipping progress of thepackage. The method further includes generating, at the server, anaccess code based on the identification information. The method alsoincludes providing, by the server, of the access code to a first partyfor opening an access on a repository configured for holding thepackage. A code is input at a keypad coupled to the repository, theinput code and the generated access code are compared, and access to aninternal compartment of the repository through an access door on therepository is based on the comparison.

As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, aspects of the presentinvention may be embodied as a system, method or computer programproduct. Accordingly, aspects of the present invention may take the formof an entirely hardware embodiment. Any combination of one or morecomputer readable medium(s) may be utilized. The computer readablemedium may be a computer readable signal medium or a computer readablestorage medium (including, but not limited to, non-transitory computerreadable storage media). A computer readable storage medium may be, forexample, but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical,electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, ordevice, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specificexamples (a non-exhaustive list) of the computer readable storage mediumwould include the following: an electrical connection having one or morewires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory(RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-onlymemory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compactdisc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magneticstorage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. In thecontext of this document, a computer readable storage medium may be anytangible medium that can contain, or store a program for use by or inconnection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

A computer readable signal medium may include a propagated data signalwith computer readable program code embodied therein, for example, inbaseband or as part of a carrier wave. Such a propagated signal may takeany of a variety of forms, including, but not limited to,electro-magnetic, optical, or any suitable combination thereof. Acomputer readable signal medium may be any computer readable medium thatis not a computer readable storage medium and that can communicate,propagate, or transport a program for use by or in connection with aninstruction execution system, apparatus, or device. Program codeembodied on a computer readable medium may be transmitted using anyappropriate medium, including but not limited to wireless, wireline,optical fiber cable, RF, etc., or any suitable combination of theforegoing.

Computer program code for carrying out operations for aspects of thepresent invention may be written in any combination of one or moreprogramming languages, including an object oriented programming languagesuch as Java, Smalltalk, C++ or the like and conventional proceduralprogramming languages, such as the “C” programming language or similarprogramming languages. The program code may execute entirely on theuser's computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alonesoftware package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remotecomputer or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the lattersituation scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user'scomputer through any type of network, including a local area network(LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to anexternal computer (for example, through the Internet using an InternetService Provider).

Any dimensions expressed or implied in the drawings and thesedescriptions are provided for exemplary purposes. Thus, not allembodiments within the scope of the drawings and these descriptions aremade according to such exemplary dimensions. The drawings are not madenecessarily to scale. Thus, not all embodiments within the scope of thedrawings and these descriptions are made according to the apparent scaleof the drawings with regard to relative dimensions in the drawings.However, for each drawing, at least one embodiment is made according tothe apparent relative scale of the drawing.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill inthe art to which the presently disclosed subject matter pertains.Although any methods, devices, and materials similar or equivalent tothose described herein can be used in the practice or testing of thepresently disclosed subject matter, representative methods, devices, andmaterials are now described.

Following long-standing patent law convention, the terms “a”, “an”, and“the” refer to “one or more” when used in the subject specification,including the claims. Thus, for example, reference to “a device” caninclude a plurality of such devices, and so forth.

The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present inventionhave been presented for purposes of illustration, but are not intendedto be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Manymodifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skillin the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the describedembodiments. The terminology used herein was chosen to best explain theprinciples of the embodiments, the practical application or technicalimprovement over technologies found in the marketplace, or to enableothers of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodimentsdisclosed herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A server for facilitating secure delivery andpickup of packages, the server comprising: a memory; a database; and aprocessor configured to: receive identification information associatedwith a package to be delivered or picked up, wherein the identificationinformation is generated by a parcel shipper for tracking location andshipping progress of the package; generate an access code based on theidentification information; provide the access code to a first party foropening an access on a repository configured for holding the package;wherein a code is input at a keypad coupled to the repository; whereinthe input code and the generated access code are compared; and whereinaccess to an internal compartment of the repository through an accessdoor on the repository is based on the comparison.
 2. The server ofclaim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to generate afurther access code and provide the further access code to a secondparty associated with a package delivery, wherein the first party isassociated with a package pick-up.
 3. The server of claim 2, wherein theprocessor is further configured to communicate with a web-portalconfigured to manage logistics associated with one or more of a packagedelivery and a package pick-up.
 4. The server of claim 3, wherein theprocessor is further configured to use an automated harvesting programto scour an email account associated with one or more of the packagedelivery and the package pick-up to extract the identificationinformation associated with the package from the email account.
 5. Theserver of claim 3, wherein the repository is positioned at a firstlocation, and wherein the repository includes a first MAC (Media AccessControl) address associated with a first network adaptor coupled to therepository at the first location.
 6. The server of claim 5, wherein thefirst MAC address is transferable to a second network adaptor coupled toa further repository at a second location, wherein the first networkadaptor coupled to the repository at the first location is assigned asecond MAC address different from the first MAC address after transferof the first MAC address to the second network adaptor.
 7. The server ofclaim 2, wherein the access code is valid for a predetermined time spanassociated with a delivery time or a pick up time scheduled for thepackage, wherein the access code is inoperable to provide access throughthe access door outside of the predetermined time span.
 8. The server ofclaim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to generate analert when the repository is tampered with.
 9. The server of claim 1,wherein the processor is further configured to generate a notificationwhen the package is delivered or picked up.
 10. The server of claim 1,wherein the processor is further configured to generate an alert whenthe access to the repository remains unlocked beyond a predeterminedduration subsequent to deposition of the package into the repository orpickup of the package from the repository.
 11. The server of claim 1,wherein the repository includes a camera positioned inside the internalcompartment of the repository, wherein the processor is furtherconfigured to receive a picture taken by the camera of the packagepositioned inside the internal compartment of the repository.
 12. Theserver of claim 1, wherein the repository includes a scanner or imagingdevice for reading the identification information, wherein the access onthe repository is configured to open after the identificationinformation is captured by the scanner or imaging device.
 13. The serverof claim 1, wherein the access code includes at least a last four digitsof a package tracking number associated with the package.
 14. The serverof claim 1, wherein the access code includes at least a last eightdigits of a package tracking number associated with the package.
 15. Theserver of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured toprocess a package return by: capture of the identification informationvia an application operating on a mobile computing device; and,scheduling of a pick-up of the package by a route carrier.
 16. Theserver of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configure togenerate an alert to an individual associated with the repository whenthe repository is tampered with.
 17. The server of claim 1, wherein theaccess code is configured for one or more of: a single use and multipleuses.
 18. The server of claim 1, wherein the repository includes a keyaccess operable to open the access on the repository.
 19. The server ofclaim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to determine alocation data associated with the package from the identificationinformation, wherein the processor uses the location data for verifyingdelivery or pick up of the package.
 20. A method of facilitating securedelivery and pickup of packages, the method comprising: Receiving, at aserver, identification information associated with a package to bedelivered or picked up, wherein the identification information isgenerated by a parcel shipper for tracking location and shippingprogress of the package; Generating, at the server, an access code basedon the identification information; and, Providing, by the server, of theaccess code to a first party for opening an access on a repositoryconfigured for holding the package; wherein a code is input at a keypadcoupled to the repository; wherein the input code and the generatedaccess code are compared; and wherein access to an internal compartmentof the repository through an access door on the repository is based onthe comparison.